Softball Splits the day with Puget Sound

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (4-8, 1-1 NWC) split a doubleheader against the University of Puget Sound (3-9, 1-1 NWC) on Saturday at Willamette Softball, falling in the first game 2-1 before bouncing back with a 6-2 victory in the second matchup.

In Game 1, Willamette's lone run came in the fifth inning, but it wasn't enough to overcome Puget Sound's early lead, which included a solo home run. Despite a solid pitching performance by Mckenzee Petersen, who allowed just two hits and struck out three over seven innings, the Bearcats were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, leaving four runners on base. Puget Sound took control early with a home run by Katherine Avanzino in the first inning, giving it a 1-0 lead. The key moment came in the fifth inning when Elyssa Garcia doubled and later scored on a sacrifice bunt by Rylie Madariaga, extending the lead to 2-0.

Willamette's response came in the bottom of the fifth. Maggie Fleischmann walked and stole second, setting up Maris Pinheiro's RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1. Despite the pressure, the Bearcats couldn't capitalize further, leaving a runner on base. In the final inning, Willamette had a chance to tie or take the lead, but Puget Sound's defense held firm, shutting down the lineup with a strikeout and two flyouts to end the game.

Maris Pinheiro recorded one hit and an RBI in her game appearance. Desirae Hatfield contributed defensively with six assists at shortstop. Petersen pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out three. Maggie Fleischmann drew a walk and scored a run, adding a stolen base during the game. Petersen was charged with the loss, falling to 3-3 on the season, while Puget Sound's Nyomi Estrada went the distance, giving up three hits and one earned run, earning the win to improve her record to 2-3.

In Game 2, the Bearcats jumped to an early lead with three runs in the first two innings, highlighted by five doubles over the course of the game. Lizzie Brasher pitched a complete game, allowing just six hits and striking out one. Puget Sound managed to score twice, once in the second and once in the seventh, but could not overcome the early deficit. The decisive moment unfolded in the fifth inning when Desirae Hatfield delivered a crucial two-RBI single, extending the lead to 5-1. Earlier in the inning, Mckenzee Petersen and Lauren Stube each contributed singles, setting the stage for Hatfield's impactful hit to center field.

The Bearcats maintained pressure throughout, beginning in the first inning when Maris Pinheiro scored following Emma Elliott's RBI single and an error from the opposing right fielder. Willamette continued to capitalize on Puget Sound's defensive lapses, adding two runs in the second inning, highlighted by a sacrifice from Pinheiro and an error that allowed another run to score. Maggie Fleischmann's double and subsequent steal of third base in the sixth inning led to a sacrifice fly from Stube, pushing the lead to 6-1. Despite Puget Sound's attempt to rally in the final inning, Willamette's early offensive efforts and solid defense sealed the win.

Maris Pinheiro recorded two hits and a double, contributing one run and one RBI to the team's performance. Maggie Fleischmann also posted two hits, including a double, and added one run, one RBI, and one stolen base. Desirae Hatfield tallied two hits with a double and drove in two runs while assisting four times defensively. Brasher led the Bearcats' pitching with a complete game, allowing only one earned run and securing the win.

The Bearcats now hold a record of 4-8 and are 1-1 in the NWC, while Puget Sound stands at 3-9, also at 1-1 in the NWC.